Emporia State split two games with Central Oklahoma at White Auditorium on Saturday afternoon in Emporia.
The Emporia State women’s basketball team roared early before rallying late for a 62-52 victory over the Bronchos. ESU ended the first quarter on an 11-0 run to lead 20-6 as senior Allie Ostermann drilled three 3-pointers in the frame. ESU led by as many as 16 in the first half before settling for a 31-19 lead at halftime. UCO bounced back thanks to a 10-0 run that spanned halftime and eventually cut the lead to 45-42 at the end of the third. UCO got as close as two points twice in the fourth quarter but never led in the game. Queen Ulabo paced the Lady Hornets with 11 points while Ostermann finished with 10. Ostermann said despite not shooting well in recent games, she maintained confidence in her shot.
Head coach Brian Ostermann said that the team’s effort was a big improvement from Wednesday’s loss to Newman.
ESU improved to 7-6 with the win and moves to 4-3 in the MIAA.
In the men’s game, the Hornets gave up an early run in the second half and were outscored at the free throw line for just the second time this season in a 94-86 loss to the #12 Bronchos. ESU led throughout much of the first half with neither team enjoying more than a 6-point lead before UCO leapt in front 44-43 at the break. UCO took control of the game with a 14-3 run that spanned halftime to lead by 12 with 16 minutes to play. ESU battled back with a 13-3 run including eight-straight points late, but UCO knocked down free throws down the stretch to secure the win. UCO, who entered the game 11th in the MIAA in free throw percentage, had their best shooting night at the line all season knocking down 23 of 24 shots to top 95% shooting. Solomon Oraegbu scored 21 to lead Emporia State in defeat while Darius Yohe picked up his first career NCAA double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Head coach Craig Doty said that free throws were the difference.
ESU struggled shooting just 13-for-21 from the foul line in the game. The Hornets fell at home for the first time this season and dropped to 11-4 overall and 4-3 in the MIAA. ESU returns to action on Thursday at Lincoln. Coverage begins with the RV Doc Pregame Show at 5:00 p.m. with the Lady Hornets tipping at 5:30 p.m. on Mix 104.9. Listen online at KVOE.com/listen.
